You played for KCRW for several years, retired, and came back. In that time, how has the league changed?

“Oh my gosh, changes? Yes… so many changes from 2006 to 2017! To name a few, we now have a Board of Directors, which previously we only had two co-directors that managed the league, and at the time, we were maxed out at 80 skaters. I can’t imagine the stress they endured! As time has passed, I don’t feel as if we are as “serious” as we use to be. I don’t really know the best way to explain it, but we just aren’t as serious as we use to be. On the other hand we just don’t know how to party like we use to! KC was known for not only winning their games but also winning the after party….we’ve gotten soft in our older years! (wink)”

Longtime veterans like you are often role models for younger players. Where do you get YOUR inspiration?

“Oh boy, that’s hard. When I came out of retirement in 2013, there were only a handful of skaters left from my original days, and I found a lot of inspiration in them (Annie Maul and Bruz Her, mainly). With this being my final season, I’m finding a lot of inspiration in knowing this is it for me, that I have just a few final moments to finish out my derby career, and I want to go out without any regrets, knowing I’ve given it my all, played my hardest and pushed myself to be the best I can be at my old, washed up age!”

Any memorable injuries over the years?

“Fortunately no, knock on wood! I’d like to keep it that way!”

Favorite derby memory?

“Easy — winning Champs in 2007 with my amazing teammates and coaches! It was one of, if not, my proudest moments as an athlete!”

Roller derby changes every life it touches. How has it changed yours?

“Roller derby has given me a voice, it has provided me a confidence and an internal strength that I don’t think I had prior. It’s given me so many wonderful friends… some that I will have for life! It’s given me wonderful and life-changing memories. I will never forget my time as a Roller Warrior! I will be forever grateful for my time here and all that roller derby has given me! I’m excited to finish my final season off strong, hopefully with a Warder Cup win and helping the All Stars move back up in rankings, but I’m also very excited about my post-derby life — to spend more time with my family, devote more to my business, and maybe even take on a new venture. It’s been a hell of a ride, and I’ll undoubtedly miss all of you! To all my retired teammates: save me a seat in the club — I’ll see you soon!”

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